Hill View Manor, nestled just south of New Castle in Shenango Township, Pennsylvania, began as the Lawrence County Home for the Aged, opening its doors on October 19, 1926, as a modern county facility replacing the older New Castle City Home. Designed to serve the destitute, elderly, and mentally ill—unfortunately referred to as “inmates”—the institution offered separate wings for men and women, a central area with a kitchen, hospital, laundry, staff quarters, and even a cemetery and bomb shelter. Perry and Mary Snyder, long-time overseers, managed the home until 1944 when they were retired after decades of service. In the 1960s and early 1970s, the facility transitioned toward skilled nursing care, culminating in the addition of the North Wing beginning in 1974 and completed by 1977; the name Hill View Manor was adopted via a naming contest upon its completion. Financial strain eventually led to its closure in 2004, after which the building remained abandoned—only to later gain notoriety as a haunted site and venue for paranormal tours.
Hillview Manor, Newcastle, PA
On the third floor, an EVP was simultaneously recorded on two separate devices of what appears to be a male voice whispering the word “Whisper.” Notably, neither investigator present at the time heard the sound audibly, suggesting it was only captured electronically. On the third floor, an EVP was captured of what sounds like a child’s voice softly saying “Help.” This vocalization was not heard by either investigator present at the time and was only detected during playback of the recording.On the third floor, an EVP was recorded that resembles the sound of a man clearing his throat. This noise was not heard by the investigators at the time and was only discovered during evidence review.After the investigators asked, “Is there anyone up here with us?” a deep, guttural “No” can be heard at the end of the recording. This response was not heard at the time of the session and was only identified upon playback.One investigator reported hearing what sounded like a sigh during the session. This same sound was also captured on audio, confirming its occurrence.While two investigators were reminiscing about old Christmas decorations discovered in the basement, an unexplained noise occurred when an object was knocked onto the floor nearby. The cause of the disturbance could not be identified at the time.A loud scream was audibly heard by investigators during the session and was also captured on audio recording, confirming the event in real time.After an investigator asked, “Is there something you want that we can get for you?” a whispered “No” was heard in direct response. Both investigators present reported hearing the voice in real time, and the reply was later confirmed on audio playback.
